Design thinking and communication
Understanding Design Thinking
- Design thinking is a solutions-focused approach that is used to solve complex problems.
- It is a non-linear, iterative process that seeks to understand users, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems.
- Understanding of human needs is essential and is derived mostly from research and investigation.
- Empathy for people's problems or needs is the basis of design thinking.
- It begins with developing a deep understanding of the people for whom are designing the solutions.
Key stages of Design Thinking
- The design thinking process has five stages: Empathise, Define, Ideadte, Prototype, and Test.
- The empathise stage involves gaining an understanding of the problem or situation.
- The define stage involves clearly articulating the problem that needs to be solved.
- The ideate stage involves generating a broad range of ideas for solutions to the problem.
- The prototype stage involves making a physical or digital version of the idea so it can be tested.
- The test stage involves testing the solution in a real-life context and modifying it based on the feedback received.
Design Communication
- Communication is a vital part of any design process. It's the act of conveying intended messages and meanings through various modes.
- Ideas can be communicated verbally, visually, or by using a model or prototype.
- Sketching and drawing are common methods of visually expressing design ideas and concepts.
- With the advent of technology, digital design tools have become critical in communicating design ideas.
- Effective communication helps in iterating and developing the design process further.
Different Forms of Design Communication
- Technical drawings are a form of design communication that is precise and unambiguous.
- Renderings or visualisations are used to show how the final product will appear.
- Storyboarding is a sequential illustration of thoughts, concepts, and ideas.
- Prototypes and models are three-dimensional representations of a design.
- Verbal or written explanations are used to communicate design ideas during presentations.